Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1370788
N icole Bent, one of the owners of Shelmerdine Garden Cen- tre, suggests growing as many plants as possible to surround yourself with nature. "The more plants, the be er — es- pecially flowering plants, which also a ract pollinators such as bu erflies and hummingbirds. Why not add a few bird feeders around the garden to en- joy the sounds of songbirds?" she said. "Want to create a true oasis? Add a fountain to enjoy the soothing sound of water and to drown out the sound of traffic." Since 2020 was such a difficult year for many folks, Bent encourag- es them to incorporate bold, bright colour — and lots of it. "Colour really helps to lift the spir- its. When choosing your backyard plants, toss out the rules — just plant whatever colours make your heart sing," she said. "Homeowners are also more inter- ested in achieving the perfect lawn, and we can help them with that by offering superior grass seeds and spe- cialty lawn fertilizers that have been developed by garden centre owners." Garden YOUR YARD, YOUR SANCTUARY BY JENNIFER MCFEE Most of us are sticking close to home this summer, so it's an ideal opportunity to let your creativity blossom in your own backyard oasis. "COLOUR REALLY HELPS TO LIFT THE SPIRITS. WHEN CHOOSING YOUR BACKYARD PLANTS, TOSS OUT THE RULES — JUST PLANT WHATEVER COLOURS MAKE YOUR HEART SING." - Nicole Bent, one of the owners of Shelmerdine Garden Centre S TO RY CO N T I N U E D O N PAG E 18 ▲ 16 | S P A C E S